Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at his memorial here and interacted with people closely associated with India, including members of the diaspora, academics, researchers and yoga enthusiasts.
Modi paid homage to Gandhi at his statue in Bishkek and recalled the enduring impact of his thoughts.
"Gandhi Ji's thoughts will always have an unparalleled impact on our minds," he said in a social media post.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Modi's tribute to Gandhi recalled his "timeless message of peace, non-violence and harmony".
"The tribute reflected the enduring relevance of Gandhiji's ideals and their universal appeal," Jaiswal posted on social media.
PM meets 'Friends of India'
The prime minister later met a group of "Friends of India", including prominent members of the Indian diaspora, environment enthusiasts, yoga practitioners, academics, ITEC alumni, and researchers.
"Met a group of people who have a close association with India... Happy to see such continuous engagement with India," he said.
ITEC alumni are professionals from over 160 partner countries who have completed fully-funded technical and economic training courses in India through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.
Modi said one of the yoga practitioners he met had travelled to Ahmedabad for the World Yogasana Championship and won a medal.
Jaiswal said during his "warm and engaging interaction" with the Friends of India, in Bishkek, the prime minister exchanged views on the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and the Kyrgyz Republic and discussed opportunities to further deepen people-to-people ties and expand the multifaceted partnership between the two countries.
Modi in Bishkek for SCO summit
The prime minister arrived in Bishkek on Sunday to attend the 26th SCO Leadership Summit and hold bilateral meetings with leaders of member countries on the sidelines.
The 10-member SCO is marking the 25th anniversary of its founding this year.
The grouping was established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan joined as full members in 2017, followed by Iran in 2023 and Belarus in 2024.
PM highlights India's regional priorities
In his departure statement on Saturday, Modi said he looked forward to advancing India's vision for the region, anchored in "security, connectivity and opportunity", and working with fellow SCO members for a region free from "terrorism, separatism and extremism".
Modi arrived in Bishkek after a two-day visit to Uzbekistan, during which the two countries decided to elevate their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and set a target of USD 5 billion in annual trade by 2030.